Sense of touch for robots with future potential

WITTENSTEIN and WIKA to set up joint venture WITTENSTEIN, the mechatronics corporation, and measuring equipment specialist WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG have just announced their intention to set up a joint venture to develop, manufacture and market miniaturized 6-axis force /torque sensors for the industrial market. The two partners will each hold 50% of the shares in Resense, which has its headquarters in Klingenberg am Main (home of WIKA). The establishment of the joint venture is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities and will only become legally effective after clearance by the Federal Cartel Office. Fingertip sensitivity for machines The joint venture is based on an innovation by the WITTENSTEIN group: miniaturized hollow-shaft multi-axis sensors for highly precise measurement of forces and torques in confined spaces. This patented concept paves the way for the smallest 6-axis haptic sensors anywhere in the world. They are used in medical research, humanoid robots and precision manipulation in industrial applications. Strategic partnership The move to Klingenberg am Main will provide WITTENSTEIN’s present startup team with the perfect setting. As a leader in the manufacture of industrial measurement technology, WIKA can contribute high-tech manufacturing expertise in the field of sensor and chip components. “The joint venture will seek to carve out a leading role for itself in the future market for haptic sensors. We’re convinced that this form of cooperation will allow the strengths of both partners to be optimally exploited and help us reach our common goal faster”, said Dr Bertram Hoffmann, CEO of the WITTENSTEIN group. “Our novel silicon bonding technology can make a key difference here, and we see this as a great opportunity to grow together in the exciting robotics segment”, added Alexander Wiegand, CEO of the WIKA group.

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